Frequently Asked Questions

7

What health effects have been seen
among the children born to atomic-bomb survivors?

7

One of the earliest concerns in the aftermath of the
atomic bombings was how radiation might affect the children
of survivors. Efforts to detect genetic effects began in
the late 1940s and continue. Thus far, no evidence of
increased genetic effects has been found. This does not
necessarily mean that no effects exist because some past
studies were limited in their ability to detect genetic damage.

Recent advances in molecular biology make it possible
to evaluate genetic effects at the gene (DNA) level.
RERF scientists are preserving blood samples that can be
used for such studies.

Monitoring of deaths and cancer incidence
in the children of survivors continues, and a clinical
health survey was undertaken for the first time during
2002 to 2006 to evaluate potential effects of parental radiation
exposure on late-onset lifestyle diseases. To date,
there is no radiation-related excess of disease in adulthood,
but it will require several more decades to fully determine
this, as this population is still relatively young.